Monday, May 27, 2013

Old Metal Signs Are Unique Collectible

By Kathryn Neal


For those people who are out there searching for various collectibles they are always full of hope. Full of hope that they will find what they seek. Full of hope that when they find it, it will be in pristine condition. A variety of hopes fill their minds as the continue on their journey. The same is true of those who search out old metal signs.

It may seem a bit strange to some but the old metal signs of the past all tell a great story of their history and the history of those connected to them. Take for instance the ones used in the 60's and 70's on gas stations and service stations. There is a very large market of collectors who pay hundreds for such signs.

Some of these are sitting in a warehouse somewhere and some may be sitting in the barn of someone's farm. Many of these have been just taken down and pushed aside to make room for new technologies. For instance, when neon was invented as a way to light up signs many flocked to the nearest manufacturer to get one of their own. Everyone wanted their sign to be bright, flashy, and be the biggest and best so everyone could see.

Once they were no longer needed, people tossed them aside. They were tossed in peoples barns, in their back yards, and in their basements. People no longer needed them but for some reason they did not see fit to destroy them. For some reason many of them were saved. Maybe not in the best condition, but they were saved none the less.

It was not until years later that people saw interest in these. It was not however for them to serve their intended purpose. Rather, it was to adorn someone's collection. People started collecting any kind of old metal signs they could find. From gas stations to oil stands. If one used to exist to advertise something and it was made of aluminum or tin, people wanted it.

The restoration process, even if done by a talented professional strips away the value of an item that would surly fetch more at auction if left in its original state. Of course, what is the case for some items is not the case for every item. In the case of the old metal signs it can make the value go up if a professional would restore it to its original condition.

Either way they were there, then gone, and now found again. Many of the people who found them tried to keep them in their original condition. However a growing number of these collectors decided to try and restore them back to original condition. They knew that if they tried and failed it would ruin their value but they did not care.

There is a talent in restoring old metal signs. When it is done the right way they look just as they did when they were first hung above the business entrance so many years ago. Bringing back that feeling and that look is a nostalgia that cannot, and should not be missed. This is one hobby that can truly bring back the past.




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